I think it's again, it's down to the person. I've seen that description of what you've just described, that sort of pretend it doesn't matter, try to go up a level whilst trying to affect the opposition. Basically, it's like you're in a race and I'm racing against you and we're both running as fast as we can and you go, wait, wait, I just slow down, hang on, hang on, hang on. And I say, what, what? And then you go, go! And you take off. So you're controlling when the energy comes down, when it takes off again. So I've seen that on a number of occasions, it's an interesting tactic. And it gives the person behind a sort of a freedom and a rest before going again.

This is a point I stress all the time. Points are not created equally. When you're up 5-1 in the first set and the score is 30-all, that point really isn't that valuable to you winning the set. It's not nearly as important as say 30-all to start the first game of the second set. Getting broken at 5-1 in the first isn't a big deal, as you already have a massive lead. But getting down an early break in the second set is a much bigger deal. So we need to be ready for that immediate shift in point value. And that's what Alice there was referring to earlier in the episode about the scoring system. Opponents might tank and play with low energy at the end of the first set when they instinctively know those points aren't valuable and then show up like the doll at the French to start the second set. Be aware of this so they don't sing you a little by and put you to sleep before the second set. The last thing that's out of your control that could lead to a slow start in the second set is your opponent changing tactics. A lot of times you'll see your opponent attempt to make an adjustment to start the second set, especially if you smoked him in the first set. So a good thing to be aware of, and you could even think this through before the match starts, is if my normal tactic is working, what should they do to stop me? So I'll give you an example for me. Let's say you were playing me and I like to chip in charge on your second serve. And let's say I was killing you with that play in the first set. One smart change you can make is maybe to take some pace off your first serve, so you won't have to hit as many second serves. So I would be on the lookout for that to start the second set. If I see you take some pace off a first serve or two, I might look to chip in charge on your first serve, knowing it's a little slower than usual, and that way I could keep using my effective tactic. There are a ton of examples we could go through, but the biggest thing is you can't be surprised when your opponent starts trying new things in the second set. So have a plan to counter what they're doing so you have the upper hand. And one final thing to reiterate, you can do everything right, you can have the correct focus, and maybe you still don't get off to a great start in the second set. Tennis can be random, your opponent could heat up, you could cool off, maybe you lose a game on a let chord, some bad luck. There's no sure way to control things to make sure you get off to a good start. So if you do get down in the score, realize that could be a normal part of the process, it's okay, and then we get back in the present and figure out what your next step is to coming back in the second set. And that wraps up our first bonus episode of 2024. Hopefully this will help you guys get off to quick starts in the second set and avoid that second set let down. The next bonus episode will be in two weeks with Louis Cayet. We go over the mindset and what you should do when you're going against a really good lobber and doubles. And I know that's a big thing for a lot of you out there, and you had some really great advice for what to do. So thanks for listening, and we'll be back in a week with the full interview from Louis Cayet.